Multi-position articulating mounting apparatus for an electronic device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is provided for removably mounting an electronic device to a surface and for positioning the device with respect to the surface. The apparatus includes a cradle securable to the electronic device and a pivot link, which has a first end and a second end. The first end being pivotally coupled to the cradle. The apparatus also includes a support having a mounting pedestal coupled thereto. The second end of the pivot link is pivotally coupled to the support. The apparatus has a base which has a lower face that can be coupled to the surface and an upper face. The upper face has a receiving slot for the pedestal, the slot having a shoulder extending thereabove to engage the pedestal. The slot further has an open end to allow the pedestal to be moved within the slot. The base further includes a releasable locking arm having a retaining ridge located in line with the open end of the slot to selectively hold the pedestal within the slot. The pedestal of the apparatus can be placed within the slot and held within the slot by the retaining ridge of the locking arm. Further, the electronic device can be positioned with respect to the surface by pivoting the cradle and the link, and by rotating the pedestal within the slot. In an alternate embodiment, a suction cup mount is utilized.

This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/840,949, filed Apr.24, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,064 which is a continuation of Ser.No. 09/452,409, filed Dec. 1, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,185, whichis a continuation of Ser. No. 09/208,348, filed Dec. 9, 1998, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,173,933 and a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/192,919,filed Nov. 16, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,321.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mounting apparatus for an electronicdevice. More specifically, the invention relates to a mounting apparatusfor an electronic device for use in a vehicle, which allows theelectronic device to be selectively rotated and placed in a number ofpositions, and which allows the electronic device to be placed within,and removed from, a mounted position with one hand.

2. Description of the Related Art

Electronic devices are being used more and more frequently in vehicles.For example, global positioning satellite devices are currently beingused in vehicles and elsewhere. These devices are used for navigationalpurposes and are either permanently installed in a vehicle, or mountedso as to be portable. Further, these devices have a screen which visiblycommunicates information to the user thereof. The portable device isadvantageous in that it can be taken from the vehicle and used outsideof the vehicle, thus adding value to the device.

The mounting of portable devices within vehicles does, however, presenta number of disadvantages. First, it is more difficult to mount aportable device in a location within the vehicle that allows its screento be easily viewed. Devices that are permanently installed in thevehicle can be mounted within the dashboard of the vehicle, easilywithin sight of the vehicle driver or passenger. Portable devices must,however, be mounted somewhere within the interior of the vehicle, suchas on top of the dashboard. This mounting position presents thechallenge of mounting the device in an orientation and position that canbe seen and accessed.

Viewing the screen of a portable electronic device can be hampered ifthe angle of the viewing screen is fixed relative to the surface onwhich the device is mounted. A fixed viewing angle may limit thevehicles on which the device can be effectively mounted due to varyingdashboard configurations as well as varying driver and passengerheights. In other words, a fixed viewing angle may impair the user'sability to effectively and comfortably view the screen. Second, theseelectronic devices are often under-utilized if they are only viewable bythe driver of the vehicle, but not passengers riding therein. Often thepassenger in the vehicle is acting as the navigator. In thesesituations, it is advantageous for the passenger to be able to view theglobal positioning satellite device.

Third, depending on the configuration of the dashboard surface on whichthe device is mounted, it may be necessary to either elevate or lowerthe device with respect to the mounting surface in order to get aclearer view of the device. A rigid mounting apparatus that does notoffer the ability to manipulate the orientation of the device relativeto the mounting surface is therefore disadvantageous.

As may be appreciated, it would also be advantageous to be able to placethe electronic device into a mounted position using only one hand.Similarly, it would be advantageous to remove the electronic device froma mounted position using only one hand.

Therefore, a mounting apparatus is needed that can be used to mount aportable electronic device within a vehicle so that the device can beeasily viewed and adjusted. Further, a mounting apparatus is needed thatallows an electronic device to be mounted within a vehicle so that it isviewable by either the driver or the passenger riding therein. Stillfurther, a mounting apparatus is needed that allows an electronic deviceto be mounted within, and removed from, a mounted position using onlyone hand. Finally, a mounting apparatus is needed that can be used toeither elevate or lower, and manipulate the orientation of the devicerelative to the surface on which the apparatus is mounted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting apparatusfor an electronic device within a vehicle so that the device can beeasily viewed and that allows the angle of the device relative to theuser to be adjusted.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a mounting apparatusthat selectively allows either the driver or the passenger of a vehiclein which the device is mounted to view the device.

It is another feature of this invention to provide a mounting apparatusthat allows a device mounted therein to be either raised or lowered, andmanipulated relative to the surface on which the apparatus is mounted.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide amounting apparatus for an electronic device that allows the electronicdevice to be mounted within, and removed from, a mounted position usingonly one hand.

According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects areobtained by an apparatus for removably mounting an electronic device toa surface and for positioning the device with respect to the surface.The apparatus includes a cradle that is adapted to be releasably securedto the electronic device and a pivot link, which has a first end and asecond end. The first end being pivotally coupled to the cradle. Theapparatus also includes a support having a mounting pedestal coupledthereto. The second end of the pivot link is pivotally coupled to thesupport. The apparatus has a base which has a lower face that can becoupled to the surface and an upper face. The upper face has a receivingslot for the pedestal, the slot having a shoulder extending thereaboveto engage the pedestal. The slot further has an open end to allow thepedestal to be moved within the slot. The base further includes areleasable locking arm having a retaining ridge located in line with theopen end of the slot to selectively hold the pedestal within the slot.The pedestal of the apparatus can be placed within the slot and heldwithin the slot by the retaining ridge of the locking arm. Further, theelectronic device can be positioned with respect to the surface bypivoting the cradle and the link, and by rotating the pedestal withinthe slot.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, an alternate baseportion of the mounting bracket is employed. In particular, the baseportion of this alternate embodiment is a suction cup mount. The suctioncup mount has a housing which includes upwardly, angularly extendingarms for connection to the linkage, which in turn is connected to thecradle into which an electronic device is secured. A flexible suctioncup has a plunger molded therein, such that a portion of the plunger ispotted into the flexible suction cup during formation of the suctioncup, and a post of the plunger extends upwardly from the suction cup.The upwardly extending suction cup extends through an aperture proximatethe center of the housing, such that the housing is placed at leastsubstantially over the suction cup. An upper end of the post isthreaded, and a correspondingly threaded cap is screwed onto the post,thereby assembling the suction cup mount. Additionally, in accordancewith a preferred aspect of the present invention, one or more springsare placed in recesses beneath the cap, and are thus positioned betweenthe housing and the cap.

Accordingly, the suction cup mount may be utilized to mount the mountingapparatus on a surface, such as a vehicle window or dashboard, or anyother suitable surface. In use, the suction cup mount is located on asurface, and the cap is pressed downwardly, thus causing the connectedplunger to push the suction cup downwardly onto the surface and create avacuum mount. In such a position, the cap engages an upper portion ofthe housing. Particularly, when the suction cup is in its fully seatedposition, and the cap is thus resting on a top portion of the housing ofthe mount, a peripheral rim portion of the cap is preferably hidden by aperipheral wall of a recess in the upper portion of the housing.Additionally, the one or more springs provided between the upper portionof the housing and the cap bias the cap upwardly, thus placing an upwardforce on the cap, the plunger, and the suction cup. This upward forceassists in retaining the suction cup in a seated position. As thesuction cup begins to lose its vacuum mount, a central portion of thesuction cup will begin to rise upwardly as its outer edges drawinwardly. Accordingly, the post of the plunger, which is positionedproximate the center of the suction cup, correspondingly begins to moveupwardly, thus also causing the cap to move upwardly from its seatedposition on the top of the housing. In accordance with the preferredaspect of the invention, the peripheral rim portion of the cap ispreferably marked or colored differently from the remainder of themount, such that as the cap moves upwardly, a user can readily visuallydiscern the fact that the cap is moving upwardly, and that the suctioncup requires reseating.

Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention willbe set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part willbecome apparent to those skilled in the practice of the invention. Theobjects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained bymeans of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed outin the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the invention noted above are explained inmore detail with reference to the drawings, in which like referencenumerals denote like elements, and in which:

In the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specification andwhich are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which likereference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of the mounting apparatus according tothe present invention, with a different orientation being shown inphantom lines;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 1, showing the mountingbracket in a different orientation;

FIG. 3 is another side elevation view of the mounting device shown withthe mounting bracket rotated and in an extended position;

FIG. 4 is a view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 with differentrotational orientations shown in phantom lines;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting device shown with anelectronic device mounted therein and parts being broken away to showparticular details of construction;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 shown without the electronic device;

FIG. 7 is a partial view of the mounting apparatus taken along line 7-7of FIG. 5, showing the latching mechanism with parts being broken awayto show particular details of construction;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 but taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6with lines being broken away to show particular details of construction;

FIG. 9 is a view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the base shown in FIG. 10, with parts beingbroken away to show particular details of construction;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 showing the locking tab in adifferent orientation;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the mounting bracket of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is an exploded, perspective view of the alternative embodimentof the base portion of the mounting bracket of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the base portion of thealternative embodiment of the present invention, and the suction cupthereof is in a seated position;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the base portion of thealternative embodiment of the present invention in a position in whichthe suction cup thereof requires reseating;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the alternate baseportion of the mounting bracket of the present invention in a fullyseated position; and

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the alternate base portion of themounting bracket of the present invention, wherein the base portionrequires reseating.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a mounting apparatus embodying theprinciples of this invention is broadly designated in the drawings byreference numeral 10. Apparatus 10 is used to hold an electronic device12 on a surface, such as a vehicle dash. Electronic device 12 can be,for example, a global positioning satellite device. Such a devicenormally includes some type of viewing screen, which visually conveysinformation to the user of the device. Apparatus 10 includes a base 14and a mounting bracket 16. As described below, base 14 is coupled to thedesired surface and is used to releasably hold mounting bracket 16.Bracket 16 is releasably coupled to the electronic device and isconstructed to be releasably held within base 14.

Base 14 is constructed and assembled as described in U.S. Pat. No.6,129,321, entitled Mounting Apparatus For An Electronic Device, thespecification of which is hereby incorporated by reference. As best seenin FIGS. 10-12, base 14 has a lower section 18 with an exterior surface20, which has an inset 22 formed therein. Inset 22 is used to attachexterior surface 20 to the desired surface, such as a vehicle dash. Inuse, an adhesive material may be applied within inset 22, which can thenbe placed on the desired surface. Alternatively, a suitable adhesiveputty may be used to attach base 14 to the desired surface, with inset22 controlling the location of the putty.

Base 14 further has a locking tab 24 held between lower section 18 andan upper section 26. Tab 24 has an outwardly extending handle 28 that isconnected to an operative key section 30. Preferably, handle 28 and keysection 30 are integrally formed from one piece. Handle 28 may beequipped with an enlarged head 32 for easier grasping by the userthereof. Key section 30 has a u-shaped slot 34 formed therein which isused to either prevent or allow bracket 16 to be removed from base 14,as is more fully described below. Located about one portion of the outerperimeter of key section 30 is an arcuate slot 36. As best seen in FIGS.11 and 12, the outermost wall 38 defining slot 36 is relatively thin andhas a depression 40 formed in each end thereof.

Upper section 26 has a first gap 42 and a second gap 44 formed therein.First gap 42 allows clearance for handle 28 of locking tab 24, andallows clearance for rotational movement of handle 28 about an axis inthe center of key section 30. Second gap 44 allows clearance for alocking arm, as is more fully described below. Located within uppersection 26 are a number of threaded columns 46. A screw 48 is placedthrough lower section 18 and is threaded into each column 46, therebysecuring lower section 18 to upper section 26.

Also located within the interior of upper section 26 is a series ofarcuate retaining walls 50. As best seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, there arepreferably three walls 50, with one wall being longer than the othertwo. Walls 50 are located to form a perimeter that is slightly largerthat the outer perimeter of key section 30, and act to retain keysection 30 within walls 50. The two shorter walls 50 are spaced from oneanother to allow clearance for handle 28, and to allow clearance forrotational movement of the handle. Generally, the two shorter walls 50are spaced a corresponding distance to match the size of first gap 42.The space between each of the shorter walls 50 and longer wall 50 allowsclearance for a locking arm, as is more fully described below. Longerwall 50 has a detent 52 formed therein. Detent 52 is flexibly mountedwithin upper section 26, so that it can move toward and away fromlocking tab 24. In use, as is more fully described below, detent 52 islocated within one of the two depressions 40 to hold locking tab 24 ineither an open or a closed position. Upper section 26 further has ac-shaped cut-out 54 extending therethrough. Cut-out 54 is generallylocated between one of the shorter walls 50 and the longer wall 50.Cut-out 54 allows clearance for a locking arm 56.

Locking arm 56 is secured within upper section 26 at a location distalfrom second gap 44. Arm 56 is secured to upper section 26 with asuitable attaching mechanism, such as a screw or rivet, as shown at 58.Other suitable attaching mechanisms could be used, so long as one end ofarm 56 is secured to upper section 26. Arm 56 has an elongated portionterminating at a button 60. The elongated portion has a width that isslightly less than the width of slot 34 in key section 30, so that itmay pass between slot 34, when slot 34 is in alignment with arm 56.Button 60 is shaped to fit within cut-out 54 so that it may travelwithin the cut-out, and is sized to extend beyond the perimeter of uppersection 26. As best seen in FIG. 12, button 60 is preferably generallyoval in shape and has a spring chamber 62 formed in the bottom thereof.As best seen in FIG. 5, chamber 62 is used to locate and retain a spring64 between button 60 and lower section 18. Spring 64 operates to biasarm 56 upwardly, the importance of which is described below. As bestseen in FIG. 10, on the upper surface of button 60, a hollow 66 ispresented to assist the user in comfortably depressing arm 56. Also onthe upper surface of button 60 is an arcuate retaining ridge 68 and apawl surface 70. Both ridge 68 and pawl surface 70 are distal fromhollow 66. Ridge 68 is arcuate in shape and is formed by a vertical wallterminating at the upper-most surface of button 60. As best seen in FIG.10, pawl surface 70 is a series of ridges, extending from ridge 68 tothe end of button 60, and is located below the upper-most surface ofbutton 60.

The exterior portion of upper section 26 includes an elevated shoulder72 that defines a receiving slot 74. Slot 74 is generally c-shaped andhas a generally semi-circular portion and an extending portion which istapered outwardly. The outward taper is used to guide bracket 16 intoplace, as is more fully described below. As best seen in FIG. 10,shoulder 72 extends outwardly over slot 74 and defines a receivingchannel that is shaped as is slot 74.

In assembling base 14, locking tab 24 is placed on lower section 18 andwithin arcuate retaining walls 50 of upper section 26. Tab 24 is locatedsuch that detent 52 is within one of the depressions 40, with handle 28protruding from upper section 26 through first gap 42. Locking arm 56 issecured to upper section 26 and spring 64 is placed within chamber 62 tobias arm 56 upwardly. Upper section 26 and lower section 18 are thensecured together by placing screws 48 through lower section 18 andthreading them into columns 46. With this construction, tab 24 may berotated between two positions, and held in one of two positions bylocating detent 52 within one of the two depressions 40. When rotatingtab 24 between the two positions, detent 52 slides along the thinportion of wall 38 and forces it slightly inwardly, due to an inwardbias of detent 52. In one position, slot 34 is placed in alignment withthe elongated portion of arm 56. In this position, arm 56 can be moveddownwardly by depressing button 60. Button 60 is allowed enoughclearance to place retaining ridge 68 below the adjacent surface ofupper section 26. In the other position, slot 34 is oriented at an anglerelative to the elongated portion of arm 56. In this position, arm 56and button 60 are prevented from moving downwardly. If button 60 ispressed when locking tab 24 is in this position, arm 56 is preventedfrom downward movement by key section 30, because slot 34 is not alignedwith arm 56. In this position, retaining ridge 68 and pawl surface 70are both positively held above the adjacent surface of upper section 26.

Base 14 is used to secure electronic device 12 in place on a surface, incooperation with bracket 16. As best seen in FIGS. 5, 6 and 13, bracket16 includes a support 76 which is preferably made from a molded plastic.Support 76 has a pedestal 78 extending downwardly therefrom. As bestseen in FIGS. 5 and 9, pedestal 78 is preferably cylindrical andincludes a platform 80. Platform 80 has a slightly larger radius thanthe adjacent portion of pedestal 78. Further, platform 80 has a lowerratchet surface 82, as best seen in FIG. 9. As is more fully describedbelow, pedestal 78 and platform 80 are placed within slot 74 of base 14.In this orientation, a portion of ratchet surface 82 engages pawlsurface 70 of locking arm 56.

Support 76 further has a pair of outer legs 84 and a number of braces 86extending from its upper surface. At the outer most end of legs 84 andbraces 86 are a pair of pivot bushings 88. As best seen in FIG. 13,pivot bushings 88 are arranged so that a gap extends therebetween.Preferably, bushings 88 are integrally formed with legs 84 and braces 86to be an integral part of support 76. Extending through both bushings 88is a hole 90. Both bushings 88 are therefore similar in many respects.However, a threaded insert is inserted in the outer end of one pivotbushing 88. The insert is threaded to receive the threaded end of apivot rod, as is more fully described below. An end cap 92 is insertedinto this pivot bushing 88 to hide the threaded insert from view.Surrounding hole 90 on the surface of bushings 88 nearest the gapbetween the bushings is an annular toothed surface (not shown).

Bracket 16 further includes a pivot link 94. As best seen in FIG. 13,link 94 is preferably generally Y-shaped. Link 94 has a first end 96that is approximately the same width as the gap between bushings 88. End96 has a hole extending therethrough that can be placed in alignmentwith hole 90. Surrounding the hole on each outer side of end 96 is anannular toothed surface. This toothed surface is preferably of the samediameter as the toothed surface surrounding hole 90 and is formed toengage and interlock therewith.

Link 94 has a second end 98 that is equipped with a pair of upwardlyextending arms 100 that form a gap or opening extending between the twoarms. Each arm 100 is equipped with a pivot bushing 102. Preferably,bushings 102 are integrally formed with link 94. Each bushing 102 has ahole 103 extending therethrough. Further, each bushing 102 has anannular toothed surface 104 extending about hole 103 on the side of arm100 adjacent the gap between the two arms. One bushing 102 has athreaded insert (not shown) press-fit therein, that allows a pivot rodto be secured therein, as is more fully described below. The bushing 102having the threaded insert therein has an end cap 106 inserted into theoutside thereof to hide the threaded insert from view.

Link 94 is pivotally coupled to support 76 by placing a pivot rod 108through pivot bushings 88 and the hole in end 96. More specifically, rod108 is threaded into the threaded insert in one bushing 88. When this isdone, the toothed surfaces of bushings 88 will be engaged and heldagainst the toothed surfaces surrounding the hole in end 96 of pivotlink 94. This will prevent pivot link 94 from rotating with respect tosupport 76.

As best seen in FIG. 13, bracket 16 further includes a cradle 110 whichis used to hold and receive the electronic device 12 and which ispivotally connected to second end 98 of link 94. Cradle 110 has a rearcover 112, a latch mechanism 114 and a front cover 116. Rear cover 112includes a pair of integral pivot bushings 118 that extend away from therear surface of cover 112. Extending through bushings 118 is a hole 120.Surrounding hole 120 on the outer surface of pivot bushings 118 is atoothed annular surface 122, which is formed to matingly connect withtoothed surfaces 104. The distance between each toothed surface 122 isapproximately equal to the gap formed between arms 100. As best seen inFIGS. 7 and 8, near pivot bushings 118 and extending through rear cover112 are a pair of holes 124 which are used to couple rear cover 112 tofront cover 116, as is more fully described below.

The unexposed or interior side of rear cover 112 is formed to have alatch chamber 126 and a spring receiving chamber 128, which accommodatelatch mechanism 114. Latch mechanism 114 is located between rear cover112 and front cover 116. Mechanism 114 includes a latch release 130 thatis equipped with a push lever 132, that extends outwardly of theinterior of covers 112 and 116. Extending from lever 132 into theinterior of cradle 110 is an elongated portion 134 of release 130.Portion 134 includes a pair of slide rails 136, one surface of whichrests upon and within latch chamber 126. Portion 134 also includes acamming area 138, extending through which is a camming opening 140. Asbest seen in FIGS. 7, 8 and 13, opening 140 is preferably triangular inshape and oriented so as to have a diagonal leg extending across portion134. Opening 140 has a follower retaining notch 141 located thereinwhich acts to positively retain a cam follower, as is described below.Release 130 is allowed to travel back and forth within chamber 126,sliding along rails 136.

Latch mechanism 114 further includes a device latch 142. Latch 142 has acam follower 144 extending downwardly therefrom, as best seen in FIGS. 7and 8. Preferably, follower 144 is cylindrically shaped and located totravel within camming opening 140. In the closed position, follower 144is retained within notch 141, as shown in FIG. 7. Also located on thelower surface of latch 142 is a spring retainer 146. Retainer 146includes a somewhat circular member 148 and a confining member 150.Members 148 and 150 are located a selected distance from one another sothat they fit within spring receiving chamber 128. In use, latch 142travels within latch chamber 126. More specifically, cam follower 144 islocated within cam opening 140. Further, a spring 154 is placed withinspring retainer 146 by locating it between members 148 and 150.Extending from the upper surface of latch 142 is a catch 152 that isshaped to engage electronic device 12 and hold device 12 against andwithin cradle 110.

With latch mechanism 114 within latch chamber 126, rear cover 112 issecured to front cover 116. As best in FIG. 13, cover 116 has a pair ofthreaded columns 156 which are located to align with holes 124. Tosecure rear cover 112 to front cover 116 a pair of screws 158 arethreaded into columns 156 after being placed through holes 124. Frontcover 116 has extending from its lower surface a latch chamber thataligns with chamber 126 and is used to contain and guide latch mechanism114. More specifically, as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the latch chamberis provided a pair of latch guide rails 160 and a pair of release guiderails 162. Latch release 130 travels within rails 160 and latch 142travels within rails 162. Extending through front cover 116 is a catchopening 164. Opening 164 is located to align with catch 152 of devicelatch 142. Opening 164 is sized to be larger than catch 152 to allowcatch 152 to travel longitudinally along opening 164.

The upper surface of front cover 116 is shaped to receive the electronicdevice 12. Device 12 can be coupled to cradle 110 with latch mechanism114. More specifically, the upper surface of front cover 116 has a pairof retaining ears 166 which cooperate with latch mechanism 114 to retainelectronic device 12 within cradle 110. Attached to the upper surface offront cover 116 adjacent catch opening 164 is a biasing mechanism 168.Preferably, mechanism 168 is made from a resilient sponge rubbermaterial which acts to exert an outward force on electronic device 12after it has been placed in cradle 110.

Cradle 110 is held within mounting bracket 16 by placing a pivot rod 170through holes 103 of pivot bushings 102 and hole 120 on rear cover 112.In this orientation, toothed surface 122 aligns with toothed surfaces104. Pivot rod 170 may be equipped with a knob on one end and has athreaded end which can be inserted into and threaded into the threadedinsert in one bushing 102. When the knob of rod 170 is fully tightenedso that the threaded end is fully received within the threaded insert,surfaces 104 interlock with toothed surfaces 122, preventing cradle 110from moving with respect to pivot link 94.

In use, electronic device 12 is placed within bracket 16 by coupling thedevice within cradle 110. More specifically, catch 152 is placed withina receiving chamber on device 12. Catch 152 is able to travellongitudinally within catch opening 164. Catch 152 is cammed in onedirection, against the bias of spring 154, upon placing device 12 withincradle 110. Once the catch is within the receiving chamber of device 12,it is moved by spring 154 into a holding relationship with device 12. Torelease device 12 from cradle 110, latch release 130 is pushed inwardlyby pushing on push lever 132. This motion forces cam follower 144 totravel along the diagonal surface of camming opening 140, which in turnforces latch 142 into a position which allows removal of the device.Apparatus 10 therefore allows the device to be quickly and easilyremoved from base 14 with one hand by depressing push lever 132 andtherefore maintains the portability of device 12. Device 12 thereforemaintains portability, while allowing it to be mounted within a vehiclefor optimal viewing.

To secure device 12 within a vehicle, the base 14 is first secured tothe desired surface, such as a vehicle dash, by exposing an adhesive inthe area of inset 22, or by placing an adhesive putty in the area ofinset 22. To mount device 12 within base 14, locking tab 24 is moved toan open position, such that slot 34 is aligned with the elongatedportion of locking arm 56. Pedestal 78 is then located within the base.More specifically, platform 80 is guided within the receiving channel ofupper section 26, being guided along slot 74. Because locking tab 24 isin the open position, locking arm 56 is free to move downwardly. Thus,as platform 80 is placed on upper section 26, it can depress locking arm56 and platform 80 can be moved into slot 74.

When platform 80 is moved completely within slot 74, its outer perimeterwill clear button 60 up to retaining ridge 68. Spring 64 will then actto move locking arm 56 upwardly and pawl surface 70 will be placed inengagement with ratchet surface 82 of platform 80. Retaining ridge 68will then be in engagement with the outer perimeter of platform 80. Inthis orientation, bracket 16 and device 12 are prevented from movingbeyond base 14 by retaining ridge 68. In order to remove device 12 frombase 14, button 60 of locking arm 56 must be depressed to releaseretaining ridge 68 from engagement with platform 80. Further, in thisorientation, device 12 can be rotated with respect to base 14. In thisrotation, enough rotational force must be applied to overcome the springforce acting upwardly on pawl surface 70. Device 12 may be placed in anyof a number of discrete rotational locations, as shown in FIG. 4, aspawl surface 70 is located along lower ratchet surface 82. Thisrotational movement allows device 12 to be positioned for the driver orpassenger of the vehicle, as desired.

Once device 12 has been rotated to the desired location, locking tab 24can be rotated to a closed position. In this position, slot 34 is notaligned with the elongated portion of locking arm 56. Therefore, in thisposition, pawl surface 70 is positively held against ratchet surface 82.The engagement of pawl surface 70 and ratchet surface 82 preventsfurther rotation of device 12 with respect to base 14. Further, in thisposition, retaining ridge 68 is positively held against platform 80,holding device 12 within base 14.

Device 12 can be pivoted upwardly and downwardly through bracket 16, aswell as inwardly and outwardly. More specifically, if it is desired toreposition device 12, pivot rods 108 and 170 can be loosened. Thisallows cradle 110 to be pivoted with respect to link 94, and allows link94 to be pivoted with respect to support 76, because the respectivetoothed surfaces are not held positively against one another. Suchrepositioning may be necessary, for example, depending on the slope of avehicle's dashboard. Once cradle 110 and link 94 are moved into thedesired orientation, pivot rods 108 and 170 can be tightened, securingdevice 12 and mounting bracket 16 in position by positively holdingmating toothed surfaces against one another.

From the above movements, the viewing screen of device 12 can beoptimally positioned for viewing by the user thereof. Apparatus 10allows the device to be repositioned into a number of differentorientations to optimize this viewing and allows the device to besecured in the desired orientation. As seen in FIG. 1, device 12 can beplaced relatively close to and parallel with base 14. In thisorientation, base 14, bracket 16 and electronic device 12 form arelatively compact assembly. As best seen in FIG. 2, device 12 can beraised to an angled position. This is accomplished by loosening rods 108and 170. Pivot link 94 is therefore allowed to pivot about both rodsinto a desired orientation for electronic device 12. Thereafter, rods108 and 170 can be tightened, thus securing the electronic device 12 inthe desired orientation. Moreover, as best seen in FIG. 3, support 76can be rotated to a different position from that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.This is accomplished by releasing locking tab 24 which allows support 76to pivot within base 14. FIG. 3 also shows a more fully extendedorientation for bracket 16. Once in the desired orientation, rods 108and 170 can be secured and locking tab 24 may be rotated to preventsupport 76 from rotating out of position.

With reference now to FIGS. 14-18, an alternative embodiment of asupport or base portion of the present invention is illustrated anddescribed.

With reference to FIG. 14, a suction cup mount of the present inventionis illustrated generally by reference numeral 180. Suction cup mount orsupport 180 has a flexible suction cup 182 having a tab 184 (forreleasing the mount) at a peripheral edge thereof, as illustrated.Plunger 188 has a rigid post 186 (with threaded area 187) extendingupwardly proximate the center location of the suction cup 182. Inparticular, with additional reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. Plunger 188includes the upwardly extending post 186, as well as a lower plate 190.As illustrated, the plunger 188, and particularly the entirety of plate190 of plunger 188 is molded within the flexible suction cup 182. Inthis regard, during construction of the suction cup 182, the plunger188, preferably formed of rigid plastic or metal, is positioned withinthe mold such that the lower portion of the plunger 188, andparticularly the plate 190, is potted within the flexible suction cup182, which may be made of any suitable plastic or rubber material.

Suction cup mount 180 further includes a housing 192, preferably formedof rigid plastic. Housing 192 has a pair of arms 194, 196 extendingupwardly and angularly outwardly from a main body portion 198 of thehousing 192. The housing 192 further has a recessed area 200 at an upperportion of the housing 192. The recessed area 200 is defined by aperipheral wall 202. Additionally, the housing has an opening 204located at a central position of the recessed area 200.

Suction cup mount 180 additionally includes a cap 206. With additionalreference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the cap 206 is preferably constructed soas to have a domed top 208 and a downwardly depending portion 210, asillustrated. It should be understood that the cap 206 is integrallyformed of plastic. As illustrated, an upper dome portion 208 of cap 206has an outer periphery 212 having a dimension that is greater than thedimension of the recessed area 200 in the housing 192. Additionally, thedownwardly depending portion 210 of the cap preferably has a dimensionso as to snugly or closely fit within the recessed area 200 of base 192,as illustrated in FIG. 17.

In accordance with an additional aspect of the invention, suction cupmount 180 employs one or more springs 214. Each spring 214 is positionedwithin a corresponding recess 216 beneath cap 206. As such, each spring214 rests on an upper surface of the recessed area 200 of base 192, andalso contacts an underside surface of the cap 206. The cap has athreaded socket on its underside proximate the center and is adapted forscrewing onto the threads of a post 186.

In use, suction cup mount 180 is mounted to a surface. It will beunderstood that the surface to which the suction cup is mounted may beany desired surface, preferably is relatively smooth so as to obtain asecure vacuum mount with the surface. For example, the surface may be adashboard or windshield or window within a vehicle. The linkage andcradle for holding an electronic device is pivotally coupled to themount 180 in arms 194, 196 and corresponding openings on the linkage, bya pin (not shown) positioned through openings 191, 193. When the suctioncup mount 180 is loosely resting on a surface (such as in FIG. 18), thecap 206 may be pressed downwardly to seat the suction cup on thesurface, and effect the necessary vacuum mount. In particular, byplacing manual pressure in a downward direction on cap 206, the plunger188, which is attached to the cap 206, is forced downwardly. As will beunderstood, the post 186 of the plunger 188 moves downwardly through theopening 204 in the housing 192 of mount 180. Correspondingly, thesuction cup 182, to which the plunger 188 is affixed, is presseddownwardly, and thereby seated on the surface, thereby creating a vacuumbeneath the suction cup for holding the suction cup mount 180 to thesurface. As the cap 206 is pressed downwardly for seating the suctioncup mount 180, springs 214 are compressed from their outwardly biasedposition illustrated in FIG. 18, to their compressed position asillustrated in FIG. 17. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 17, whichis an illustration of the suction cup mount 180 in its fully mountedposition, the cap 206 is fitted within the recess 200, such that thedownwardly depending periphery 210 (and particularly outer wall 211thereof) of the cap is hidden from the view of a user by the peripheralwall 202 of the recessed area 200 of the housing 192. Additionally, alowermost portion of the cap rests on the upper surface of recessed area200, all as illustrated in FIG. 17.

In accordance with operation of the invention, as the suction cup 182begins to loose its vacuum mount over time, the suction cup 182 willdraw inwardly in a conventional fashion, thus causing the center of thesuction cup 182 to raise upwardly, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 18. Asthis occurs, the plunger will correspondingly move upwardly, therebyraising the cap 206. As the cap 206 raises, the downwardly dependingperiphery 210 comes into view above the housing 192. In accordance witha particular aspect of the invention, the outer periphery wall 211 ofthe downwardly depending portion 210 is marked or colored differentlyfrom the remainder of the mount 180, including the upper dome portion208 of the cap, so as to be readily discernable to the user. In thisregard, the visual indication of the cap moving upwardly indicates to auser that the suction cup needs to be reseated, and thus the user canagain apply downward pressure to the cap 206 for reseating the suctioncup 182. As illustrated in FIG. 18, upward motion of the suction cup180, plunger 188, and cap 206 are restrained by the housing 192 once thevacuum releases a sufficient amount to cause the top of the suction cup182 to abut up against a bottom surface of the housing 192.

In accordance with a particular aspect of the invention, with thesuction cup 182 in its fully seated position, as illustrated in FIGS. 15and 17, springs 214 are compressed and bias outwardly, thus applyingupward pressure on cap 206. This upward pressure on cap 206 andcorrespondingly on plunger 188 of suction cup 182, assists inmaintaining the vacuum mount effected by suction cup 182.

In accordance with an additional aspect of the invention, the upwardlyand outwardly extending arms 194, 196 are positioned such that cap 206is readily accessible to a user. In this regard, even with the mountingbracket 16, and corresponding linkage or assembly, connected to arms194, 196, the mounting bracket may be moved away from a location inwhich it touching cap 206, or directly over cap 206, thus permitting thecap 206 to be readily accessible.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one welladapted to attain all ends and objects hereinabove set forth togetherwith the other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent tothe structure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are ofutility and may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of theclaims.

Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention withoutdeparting from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matterherein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to beinterpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

1. A base for removably holding a device on a surface, said basecomprising: a lower section adapted to be placed on a support surface;an upper section joined to said lower section, said upper section havingan arcuate receiving area; a locking arm located proximate saidreceiving area and movably mounted to said upper section, said lockingarm being adapted to securely retain a device within said receiving areain at least two different rotational orientations relative to saidreceiving area; a spring engaging said locking arm and biasing saidlocking arm upward through said upper section, said locking arm beingdepressable downward relative to said upper section to release a device;and a locking tab preventing movement of said locking arm when saidlocking tab is in a locked position, wherein said locking arm has anelongated portion terminating at a button, said button fitting within acut-out formed in said upper section, said button extending beyond aperimeter of said upper section.
 2. The base according to claim 1,wherein said lower section includes an exterior surface adapted to besecured to a surface of a support structure.
 3. The base as set forth inclaim 1, wherein said upper section includes an exterior portion havingan elevated shoulder that at least partially surrounds said receivingarea.
 4. The base as set forth in claim 1, wherein said receiving areaincludes a receiving slot adapted to securely receive a mount providedon a device.
 5. A base for removably holding a device on a surface, saidbase comprising: a lower section adapted to be placed on a supportsurface; an upper section joined to said lower section, said uppersection having an arcuate receiving area; a locking arm locatedproximate said receiving area and movably mounted to said upper section,said locking arm being adapted to retain a device within said receivingarea; a spring engaging said locking arm and biasing said locking armupward through said upper section, said locking arm being depressabledownward relative to said upper section to release a device, saidlocking arm includes a bottom having a spring chamber formed therein,said spring chamber locating and retaining said spring between saidlocking arm and said lower section; and an upper surface of said lockingarm includes a retaining ridge and pawl surface that define one side ofsaid receiving area and permit a device to rotate with respect to saidbase.
 6. A base for removably holding a device on a surface, said basecomprising: a lower section adapted to be placed on a support surface;an upper section joined to said lower section, said upper section havingan arcuate receiving area; a locking arm located proximate saidreceiving area and movably mounted to said upper section, said lockingarm being adapted to retain a device within said receiving area; aspring engaging said locking arm and biasing said locking arm upwardthrough said upper section, said locking arm being depressable downwardrelative to said upper section to release a device, said locking armincludes a bottom having a spring chamber formed therein, said springchamber locating and retaining said spring between said locking arm andsaid lower section; an upper surface of said locking arm includes aretaining ridge and pawl surface that define one side of said receivingarea and permit a device to rotate with respect to said base; and saidreceiving area includes a pawl surface adapted to permit rotation of adevice between a number of discrete rotational locations when rotationalforce is applied.
 7. A base for removably holding a device on a surface,said base comprising: a lower section adapted to be placed on a supportsurface; an upper section joined to said lower section, said uppersection having an arcuate receiving area; a locking arm locatedproximate said receiving area and movably mounted to said upper section,said locking arm being adapted to retain a device within said receivingarea; a spring engaging said locking arm and biasing said locking armupward through said upper section, said locking arm being depressabledownward relative to said upper section to release a device, saidlocking arm includes a bottom having a spring chamber formed therein,said spring chamber locating and retaining said spring between saidlocking arm and said lower section; an upper surface of said locking armincludes a retaining ridge, adapted to removably hold a device withinsaid base, and pawl surface that define one side of said receiving areaand permit a device to rotate with respect to said base; and saidreceiving area includes a pawl surface adapted to permit rotation of adevice between a number of discrete rotational locations when rotationalforce is applied.
 8. The base as set forth in claim 1, wherein saidlocking tab is held between said upper and lower sections, said lockingtab preventing downward movement of said locking arm when said lockingtab is in the locked position.
 9. An apparatus for holding a device on asupport surface, said apparatus comprising: a lower section adapted tobe placed on a support surface; an upper section having a receiving areathereon, said receiving area being adapted to receive a device; alocking member movably provided on said upper section, said lockingmember being adapted to retain a device within said receiving area; anda locking tab provided with said upper and lower sections, said lockingtab being movable between locked and unlocked positions at which saidlocking tab blocks and permits, respectively, movement of said lockingmember, wherein said locking tab is rotatably mounted to said lowersection, said locking tab including a handle extending outward from saidbase that is rotatable to move said locking tab between said locked andunlocked positions, and wherein said locking tab includes a key sectionhaving a unshaped slot formed therein which prevents and permitsmovement of said locking member based on a position of said locking tab.10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said locking tab isprovided immediately adjacent said locking member and abuts against saidlocking member when said locking tab is in said locked position toprevent downward depression of said locking member.
 11. The apparatus asset forth in claim 9, wherein said locking member includes an arm andsaid locking tab includes a slot, said slot being rotatable relative tosaid arm to align with, or be oriented at an angle to, one another. 12.The apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said lower sectionincludes an exterior surface adapted to be secured to a support surface.13. The apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said locking memberincludes an elongated arm having a portion terminating at a button, saidbutton fitting within a cut-out formed in said upper section andextending beyond a perimeter of said upper section.
 14. The apparatus asset forth in claim 9, wherein said upper section includes an exteriorportion having an elongated shoulder that defines said receiving area.15. The apparatus as set forth in claim 9, further comprising a springheld between said locking member and at least one of said upper andlower sections, said spring biasing said locking member upward throughsaid upper section, said locking member being depressable downward intosaid upper section to release an electronic device from said receivingarea.
 16. The apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said lockingmember includes an arm having a retaining ridge adapted to removablyhold an electronic device within said receiving area.
 17. The apparatusas set forth in claim 9, wherein said locking member includes a pawlsurface located proximate said receiving area, said pawl surface beingadapted to permit rotation of a device between a number of discreterotational locations.
 18. A base for releasably holding a device on asupport structure, said base comprising: a body having a lower exteriorsurface adapted to be secured to a support surface and an upper exteriorsurface including an elevated shoulder that defines a receiving slot,said receiving slot having an opening therein, wherein the openingcomprises a gap in the periphery of the receiving slot; a locking armmovably provided with said body proximate said opening in said receivingslot; and a locking tab movably provided with said body proximate saidlocking arm, said locking tab blocking movement of said locking arm whensaid locking tab is in a locked position.
 19. The base as set forth inclaim 18, wherein said locking arm includes a pawl surface configured toengage a ratchet surface associated with an electronic device to resistand permit rotation between a device and said body.
 20. The base as setforth in claim 18, wherein said body includes upper and lower sectionssecured to one another.
 21. The base as set forth in claim 18, whereinsaid locking arm has an elongated portion terminating at a button, saidbutton fitting within a cut-out formed in said body, said buttonextending beyond a perimeter of said body.
 22. The base as set forth inclaim 18, wherein said upper exterior surface includes an elevatedshoulder that at least partially surrounds said receiving slot.
 23. Thebase as set forth in claim 18, further comprising means for biasing saidlocking arm to a retention position at which said locking arm is adaptedto securely retain a device to said receiving slot.
 24. The base as setforth in claim 18, wherein said locking arm is deflectable into saidbody and wherein said locking tab is rotatable to block and permitmovement of said locking arm relative to said body.
 25. The base as setforth in claim 18, wherein said elevated shoulder is C-shaped and has asemi-circular portion joining said opening.
 26. The base as set forth inclaim 1, wherein said locking tab is rotatable between said lockedposition and an unlocked postion at which said locking tab blocks andpermits, respectively, movement of said locking arm to hold and release,respectively, a device.
 27. An apparatus for holding a device on asupport surface, said apparatus comprising: a lower section adapted tobe placed on a support surface; an upper section having a receiving areathereon, said receiving area being adapted to receive a device; alocking member movably provided on said upper section, said lockingmember being adapted to retain a device within said receiving area; anda locking tab provided with said upper and lower sections, said lockingtab being movable between locked and unlocked positions at which saidlocking tab blocks and permits, respectively, movement of said lockingmember, wherein said locking tab includes a key section having aunshaped slot formed therein which prevents and permits movement of saidlocking member based on a position of said locking tab.
 28. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 27, wherein said locking tab is providedimmediately adjacent said locking member and abuts against said lockingmember when said locking tab is in said locked position to preventdownward depression of said locking member.
 29. The apparatus as setforth in claim 27, wherein said locking member includes an arm and saidlocking tab includes a slot, said slot being rotatable relative to saidarm to align with, or be oriented at an angle to, one another.
 30. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 27, wherein said lower section includesan exterior surface adapted to be secured to a support surface.
 31. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 27, wherein said locking member includesan elongated arm having a portion terminating at a button, said buttonfitting within a cut-out formed in said upper section and extendingbeyond a perimeter of said upper section.
 32. The apparatus as set forthin claim 27, wherein said upper section includes an exterior portionhaving an elongated shoulder that defines said receiving area.
 33. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 27, further comprising a spring heldbetween said locking member and at least one of said upper and lowersections, said spring biasing said locking member upward through saidupper section, said locking member being depressable downward into saidupper section to release an electronic device from said receiving area.34. The apparatus as set forth in claim 27, wherein said locking memberincludes an arm having a retaining ridge adapted to removably hold anelectronic device within said receiving area.
 35. The apparatus as setforth in claim 27, wherein said locking member includes a pawl surfacelocated proximate said receiving area, said pawl surface being adaptedto permit rotation of a device between a number of discrete rotationallocations.
 36. An apparatus for holding a device on a support surface,said apparatus comprising: a lower section adapted to be placed on asupport surface; an upper section having a receiving area thereon, saidreceiving area being adapted to receive a device; a locking membermovably provided on said upper section, said locking member beingadapted to retain a device within said receiving area; and a locking tabprovided with said upper and lower sections, said locking tab beingmovable between locked and unlocked positions at which said locking tabblocks and permits, respectively, movement of said locking member,wherein said locking member includes an arm and said locking tabincludes a slot, said slot being rotatable relative to said arm to alignwith, or be oriented at an angle to, one another.
 37. The apparatus asset forth in claim 36, wherein said locking tab is provided immediatelyadjacent said locking member and abuts against said locking member whensaid locking tab is in said locked position to prevent downwarddepression of said locking member.
 38. The apparatus as set forth inclaim 36, wherein said lower section includes an exterior surfaceadapted to be secured to a support surface.
 39. The apparatus as setforth in claim 36, wherein said locking member includes an elongated armhaving a portion terminating at a button, said button fitting within acut-out formed in said upper section and extending beyond a perimeter ofsaid upper section.
 40. The apparatus as set forth in claim 36, whereinsaid upper section includes an exterior portion having an elongatedshoulder that defines said receiving area.
 41. The apparatus as setforth in claim 36, further comprising a spring held between said lockingmember and at least one of said upper and lower sections, said springbiasing said locking member upward through said upper section, saidlocking member being depressable downward into said upper section torelease an electronic device from said receiving area.
 42. The apparatusas set forth in claim 36, wherein said locking member includes an armhaving a retaining ridge adapted to removably hold an electronic devicewithin said receiving area.
 43. The apparatus as set forth in claim 36,wherein said locking member includes a pawl surface located proximatesaid receiving area, said pawl surface being adapted to permit rotationof a device between a number of discrete rotational locations.
 44. Anapparatus for holding a device on a support surface, said apparatuscomprising: a lower section adapted to be placed on a support surface;an upper section having a receiving area thereon, said receiving areabeing adapted to receive a device; a locking member movably provided onsaid upper section, said locking member being adapted to retain a devicewithin said receiving area; and a locking tab provided with said upperand lower sections, said locking tab being movable between locked andunlocked positions at which said locking tab blocks and permits,respectively, movement of said locking member, wherein said lockingmember includes an elongated arm having a portion terminating at abutton, said button fitting within a cut-out formed in said uppersection and extending beyond a perimeter of said upper section.
 45. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 44, wherein said locking tab is providedimmediately adjacent said locking member and abuts against said lockingmember when said locking tab is in said locked position to preventdownward depression of said locking member.
 46. The apparatus as setforth in claim 44, wherein said lower section includes an exteriorsurface adapted to be secured to a support surface.
 47. The apparatus asset forth in claim 44, wherein said upper section includes an exteriorportion having an elongated shoulder that defines said receiving area.48. The apparatus as set forth in claim 44, further comprising a springheld between said locking member and at least one of said upper andlower sections, said spring biasing said locking member upward throughsaid upper section, said locking member being depressable downward intosaid upper section to release an electronic device from said receivingarea.
 49. The apparatus as set forth in claim 44, wherein said lockingmember includes an arm having a retaining ridge adapted to removablyhold an electronic device within said receiving area.
 50. The apparatusas set forth in claim 44, wherein said locking member includes a pawlsurface located proximate said receiving area, said pawl surface beingadapted to permit rotation of a device between a number of discreterotational locations.
 51. An apparatus for holding a device on a supportsurface, said apparatus comprising: a lower section adapted to be placedon a support surface; an upper section having a receiving area thereon,said receiving area being adapted to receive a device; a locking membermovably provided on upper section, said locking member being adapted toretain a device within said receiving area; and a locking tab providedwith said upper and lower sections, said locking tab being movablebetween locked and unlocked positions at which said locking tab blocksand permits, respectively, movement of said locking member, wherein saidlocking member includes an arm having a retaining ridge adapted toremovably hold an electronic device within said receiving area.
 52. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 51, wherein said locking tab is providedimmediately adjacent said locking member and abuts against said lockingmember when said locking tab is in said locked position to preventdownward depression of said locking member.
 53. The apparatus as setforth in claim 51, wherein said lower section includes an exteriorsurface adapted to be secured to a support surface.
 54. The apparatus asset forth in claim 51, wherein said upper section includes an exteriorportion having an elongated shoulder that defines said receiving area.55. The apparatus as set forth in claim 51, further comprising a springheld between said locking member and at least one of said upper andlower sections, said spring biasing said locking member upward throughsaid upper section, said locking member being depressable downward intosaid upper section to release an electronic device from said receivingarea.
 56. The apparatus as set forth in claim 51, wherein said lockingmember includes a pawl surface located proximate said receiving area,said pawl surface being adapted to permit rotation of a device between anumber of discrete rotational locations.
 57. An apparatus for holding adevice on a support surface, said apparatus comprising: a lower sectionadapted to be placed on a support surface; an upper section having areceiving area thereon, said receiving area being adapted to receive adevice; a locking member movably provided on said upper section, saidlocking member being adapted to retain a device within said receivingarea; and a locking tab provided with said upper and lower sections,said locking tab being movable between locked and unlocked positions atwhich said locking tab blocks and permits, respectively, movement ofsaid locking member, wherein said locking member includes a pawl surfacelocated proximate said receiving area, said pawl surface being adaptedto permit rotation of a device between a number of discrete rotationallocations.
 58. The apparatus as set forth in claim 57, wherein saidlocking tab is provided immediately adjacent said locking member andabuts against said locking member when said locking tab is in saidlocked position to prevent downward depression of said locking member.59. The apparatus as set forth in claim 57, wherein said lower sectionincludes an exterior surface adapted to be secured to a support surface.60. The apparatus as set forth in claim 57, wherein said upper sectionincludes an exterior portion having an elongated shoulder that definessaid receiving area.
 61. The apparatus as set forth in claim 57, furthercomprising a spring held between said locking member and at least one ofsaid upper and lower sections, said spring biasing said locking memberupward through said upper section, said locking member being depressabledownward into said upper section to release an electronic device fromsaid receiving area.